First Responders
The unfolding story of US Democracy has been a rollercoaster ride for the past week and probably for sometime in the future. Artists—like all citizens--have been shaken and disturbed by immediate events. But rather than remain silent, they are speaking out and reaching out with stirring images that express what words cannot communicate. It is a complicated situation that cannot devolve into a simplistic and dangerous US/THEM analysis. Because after the proposed impeachment, after the inauguration, the divisiveness of this moment may ultimately destroy this country. We at Art at a Time Like This look to artists for solutions and resolutions, not didactic one-liners.
Rather than a “curated” exhibition, it is more important to respond with immediacy, adding new artists each day. This is truly a platform for free expression and we are thrilled that so many artists once again want to post with us as a way of getting their messages out What is truly amazing to us is that artists from the confines of quarantine can connect to the world and perhaps, offer pictures that undermine the images of hate in the news. Art may not be the solution to the fragility of our democracy at this moment, yet artists must be elevated to be first responders, replacing the spectacle of pundits and newscasters, whether we are watching Fox or MSNBC.